Extended Material Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash Using Magnetic, Eddy Current, and Density Separations

This research introduces an extended processing method for increasing the possibility of valorizing processed IBA (pr.IBA), which is currently only used as a construction material in landfill sites, considering its immense potential in valuable metal and mineral concentrations.

by Adhiwiguna, I. B. G. S., Ramalingam, K., Becker, K.-H., Khoury, A., Warnecke, R., & Deike, R.

Abstract

This research introduces an extended processing method for increasing the possibility of valorizing processed IBA (pr.IBA), which is currently only used as a construction material in landfill sites, considering its immense potential in valuable metal and mineral concentrations. Following a selective milling process, an extended material recovery sequence involving a magnetic, eddy current, and density separation sequence is developed. Based on the observations and outcomes explored in the present study, a substantially reliable and practical industrial approach is designed and tested to generate a cleaner mineral fraction and complementarily collect valuable metals from pr.IBA. Specifically, four enhanced valuable product streams can be anticipated, output mineral, high-magnetic, low-magnetic, and non-ferrous, which can be further utilized as alternative materials for cement clinker and concrete production coupled with iron, copper, and aluminum recovery in a conventional recycling operation. Therefore, in addition to introducing an additional perspective and moving one step closer to closing the waste management loop, this proposed method offers the opportunity to save primary materials and reduce carbon emissions by providing valuable alternative secondary resources.

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published: Recycling, 10(1), 16., 1|2025
Keywords: Material Recovery, Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Sustainability, Climate, Raw Materials, Germany